Japan airlines offers passengers ability to rent clothes

A new clothing rental program from Japan Airlines (JAL) is starting Wednesday. Japan-bound passengers can reserve apparel that will be delivered to their accommodation upon arrival, creating a “travel experience with minimal luggage,” the airline said in a release. Sumitomo, one of Japan’s largest trading companies, will be responsible for procuring, laundering and delivering the items, which will be sourced from overstock and pre-owned apparel.

The “Any Wear, Anywhere” program seeks to lighten passengers’ loads — and those of planes. JAL plans to monitor changes in passengers’ checked-baggage weight and study how it affects carbon emissions from aircraft during the 14-month trial.

The program offers clothing in sizes from small to extra large and in styles designated “casual” and “smart casual.” A set of smart-casual women’s clothes includes a black peacoat, three sweaters, two tops, two pairs of wide-leg pants and a skirt. A man looking for casual winter basics might order a package with a puffer coat, two sweaters, two pairs of pants and a sweatshirt. Prices begin at roughly $28.

The trial is the latest of many green initiatives taken up by airlines seeking a climate-friendly image, despite the high emission levels of the industry. Major carriers have made pledges to shift toward sustainable aircraft fuel, and Japan plans to require that 10 percent of the fuel used on international flights is sustainable, the Nikkei newspaper recently reported. They’ve also launched carbon-offset programs, which have been criticized by experts. And there have been smaller efforts, such as Air New Zealand offering passengers edible coffee cups in an attempt to reduce waste.

JAL’s program seems like a natural evolution of the “sharing economy.” People have become accustomed to splitting rides, homes, workspaces, boats and even swimming pools. To the pragmatic passenger, not having to mull over whether to pack a bulky sweater or twiddle thumbs at baggage claim may sound utopian.

Still, it remains to be seen whether the photo-oriented travelers of the 21st century will trust a foreign company with their sartorial choices for an entire trip. And if they do, it’s unclear how it will affect the carbon footprint of the aviation industry, which researchers say is responsible for 3.5 percent of human-induced climate change - Washington Post